23 January 2024
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (WDAF) — The first-ever physical College Baseball Hall of Fame location is coming to the Kansas City area.
The College Baseball Foundation and Visit Overland Park have teamed up to announce that the Museum at Prariefire will be the College Baseball Hall of Fame’s home.
The College Baseball Hall of Fame honors players, coaches, umpires and administrators who have had exceptional impacts on college baseball at multiple levels.
The press release says, “Visit Overland Park estimates that the College Baseball Hall of Fame will have a multi-million dollar impact on the local economy when its doors open in 2025.”
This comes after a “decade-long” search to find a location that suits the College Baseball Foundation. The organization that hands out annual college baseball awards was founded in Lubbock, Texas in 2004, but a headquarters was never built.
Instead of constructing a new building, they plan to offer a digitally immersive experience inside the Museum at Prariefire.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been a key financial contributor to this endeavor. His dad played Major League Baseball and the quarterback has played baseball for most of his life before dedicating his talents to the NFL.
“Baseball has been a huge part of my life and I was fortunate to play the game in college,” said Mahomes. “I’m excited for the College Baseball Hall of Fame to call Overland Park home and join the community that I love so much.”
The Hall of Fame Class of 2023 will be recognized at the Overland Park Marriott on Feb. 15. at 6 p.m. along with other awarded athletes. Tickets for the “Night of Champions” can be purchased on the MLB website.